Kirkland out of hospital

Last updated : 11 December 2006 By Paul Farrington

Kirkland receives treatment at 'Boro

The England number one goalkeeper's head colided with David Wright's knee at the Boro set-piece. Kirkland was taken to hospital as a precaution, but has since been released.

Manager Paul Jewell said:"The main thing is Kirky is all right. In the ambulance he did apparently say to tell the gaffer he would be okay for Wednesday against Arsenal.

"Chris went into shock. He was surrounded by six or seven paramedics and they were concerned, very concerned. I saw him come in and the next thing, he was on a bed.

"It was probably one of my hardest ever half-time team talks, to keep the players' minds focused on the job at hand. It's not easy when you see a team-mate suffering."

Mike Pollitt is on standby for Wednesday's clash with Arsenal at the JJB Stadium should Kirkland need to rest the injury.